Another Big-Time Moment For Benson Henderson

Former UFC lightweight champion Benson Henderson isn’t growing out his hair until he loses a fight. Or until he wins the belt back.

Instead, it’s one person who is controlling how long “Smooth’s” locks get.

“It can’t be cut for a little while,” said Henderson, during a recent interview on UFC Tonight. “The wife doesn’t want it cut.”

Henderson returns to action Saturday against Rafael dos Anjos in the main event of UFC Fight Night 49. He will put his two-fight win streak on the line in the main event, which is his seventh straight headline bout.

Since suffering a first round submission loss to Anthony Pettis for the title last year, Henderson has scored wins over Rustam Khabilov and Josh Thomson. His most recent win came via submission in the fourth round.

“(Dos Anjos is) most dangerous in his stand-up game. He’s been known for his Brazilian jiu-jitsu,” Henderson said. “But he’s been working on his striking and part of his late career resurgence has been because of his stand-up. He’s very accurate and dangerous and has power in his hands.”

Despite scoring a finish over Khabilov, Henderson has continually had to answer critics about his lack of stoppage victories. He earned split decisions over Thomson, Gilbert Melendez and Frankie Edgar, earning decisions over Nate Diaz, Edgar, Clay Guida, Jim Miller and Mark Bocek.

“I’m going after a great performance,” he said. “If I get a submission or knockout, or if a guy slips on a banana peel, I’ll take it. It’s all about having a good performance and getting your hand raised.”